XM Satellite Radio Review

At one point in my life, I literally thought that you must be insane to pay for audio programming...why pay for something that is available for free on any AM/FM radio?  That was until all of that same AM/FM programming became very stale and I became annoyed with what seemed like endless commercial breaks.

About a year ago, I looked into what seemed to be my only two options at the time -- XM and Sirius.  I chose XM because there were better compatible portable players available....and for just $12.95 a month, I would have access to over 170 channels of satelitte radio content...true, I might only listen to about half a dozen on a regular basis, but that is another story.

And yes, I too describe my musical tastes as eclectic (doesn't everyone?), but no -- that doesn't mean that I like Coldplay AND Garth Brooks.

My favorite XM channels:

The Decades (all of which I listen to except for maybe the '40s)

20 on 20 - Top 20 Hits (to hear what the "kids" are listening to)

Cinemagic - Movie Soundtracks (with excellent "new release" specials and special guests)

XMU - Indie/College/Unsigned (for the shoegazer in me)

Fred - Classic Alternative (think Psychedelic Furs, the Cure, etc.)

Ethel - New Alternative (you know...RHCP, Bloc Party, Pete Yorn...)

Boneyard - Hard Rock/Hairbands (for the jean-short rocker in everyone)

The Rhyme - Old School Hip-Hop (Geto Boys, anyone?)

Beyond Jazz - Modern Jazz (no, not "smooth jazz"...think Tortoise and MMW)

And these are just but a few of my favorites...curious?  Take the free trial for a spin on XMradio.com

This year could be the best time for you to join with the pending merger of XM and Sirius...there are talks of plans as low as $6.99 a month for a "Best Of" channel selection from either XM or Sirius, or a more robust plan for around $16 a month that would allow you to choose channels from either provider.